by Linda Heistman
Bob Liddle started playing the clarinet in the fifth grade and was encouraged by his high school band teacher and his parents to pursue a career in music.
He graduated from Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor of Science degree in music education in 1959. After college he performed in Hawaii with a big band.
From 1959 to 1973, Bob taught instrumental music to students in grades four through 12 in Hawaii, California, and New York state—including Old Forge—and he holds life/permanent teaching certificates in all three states.
After leaving the teaching profession to work in his parent’s electronics business and many years in the cable television industry, Bob took a 38-year break from playing any musical instruments.
Fortunately for our SHARP senior group, he started playing and performing again four years ago.
Bob’s performance resumé is extensive and includes playing at dances, wedding receptions and at local establishments.
And there are many people who have enjoyed his comeback. He has performed at VIEW, Lakeside Terrace, the Old Forge Library and the Goodsell Museum.
He has recently played with the Shriners Band and the Lowville Jazz Orchestra.
Bob said one of his favorite gigs was playing at Sisters’ Bistro several times over the past two years.
He has also enjoyed playing bass clarinet in the pit band for the Town of Webb School’s Drama Department in the production of Annie Get Your Gun and last weekend’s production of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.
Bob enjoys playing all the “old standards” and has played 26 different instruments over his musical career.
His favorite musicians are Stan Getz, who is a jazz tenor sax performer and Boots Randolph, who is a country/jazz tenor sax performer.
When asked what kind of advice he’d give to the younger generation, he said, “Follow your dreams aggressively. Many good and bad times will happen, but with drive, you will triumph. Stumbling blocks are merely steps to better things.”
He also offered the following advice to other senior citizens: “Staying as active as possible as we age prolongs a happy lifetime.”